Laser synthesizing particulate reinforced NiAl intermetallic matrix composite

The NiAl intermetallic and TiC particulate reinforced NiAl intermetallic matrix composite layers were successfully synthesized by laser processing and coaxial powder feeding of respectively Ni/Al covered powder and Ni/Al + 15wt% TiC powder mixture. With optimized processing parameters, the as synthesized layers were in good geometry, free of cracks and porosity, and sound metallurgical bound with the substrate. The microstructure of the laser synthesized layer was respectively β-NiAl phase and a few γ phase for NiAl intermetallic and un-completely melt TiC, dispersively precipitated fine TiC particles and refined β-NiAl phase matrix for TiC reinforced NiAl intermetallic composite. The microhardness was respectively HV_0.1355 and HV_0.1538. Laser synthesizing could be a promising approach not only to produce NiAl intermetallic and TiC reinforced NiAl intermetallic matrix composite coatings but also to directly fabricate NiAl intermetallic bulk materials or structural components incorporating with laser direct metal deposition or laser direct manufacturing technology.